ICC rules out Ajmal award inclusion

The ICC has shot down the PCB's objection to Saeed Ajmal's omission from the ICC's Test Cricketer of the Year award shortlist, stating that it was an independent jury who cast out Ajmal from the longlist. The PCB, however, questioned the ICC process and urged it to revise the selection procedure.

The PCB had lodged a protest with the ICC after Ajmal was left off the award shortlist last week. The ICC, though, refused to reconsider Ajmal's case.

"The ICC has no authority to change the results of the academy," an ICC spokesman told ESPNcricinfo. "The voting results are final and binding on everyone."

In 2010, England offspinner Graeme Swann was omitted from the longlist for the Cricketer of the Year award prepared by ICC itself but after the ECB put up his case, the ICC included his name after admitting an oversight.

Unlike Swann in 2010, Ajmal was in the longlist this year but missed out when an independent 32-member jury that included former Pakistan captain Aamer Sohail and Pakistan journalist Majid Bhatti nominated Sri Lanka batsman Kumar Sangakkara, South Africa fast bowler Vernon Philander, Australia captain Michael Clarke and South Africa opener Hashim Amla for Test Cricketer of the Year.

Ajmal, 34, took 72 Test wickets between August 4, 2011 and August 6, 2012 - the qualifying period for the award - including 24 at 14.70 as Pakistan swept aside England, the then No. 1 side in the world, 3-0 in January. He has climbed to No. 3 in the ICC Test bowling rankings and is the highest ranked spinner.

"His [Ajmal] tally is substantial enough to make him a notable performer throughout the year," a PCB spokesman said. "It's very surprising not just for Pakistan but for the whole cricketing world that such a deserving player isn't in the final list. The PCB understands that there is a serious need to revise the procedure that eventually overlooked the best man to be picked."

Despite the PCB's concern, the ICC will not reconsider Ajmal's name. "It is important to understand the process which is very simple and transparent, and monitored by independent auditor Ernst & Young," the ICC spokesman said. "The longlists are prepared by a five-member Selection Panel which is headed by Mr Clive Lloyd and this year included Clare Connor (England), Tom Moody (Australia), Carl Hooper (West Indies) and Marvan Atapattu (Sri Lanka).

"The shortlists are then created after the individual player awards are voted for by an academy of 32 highly credentialed cricket personalities from around the world. The top four players in each category with most votes are included in the shortlists."

world's no.1 T20 leading wicket taker is not included in the final list. His performance was great and he was purely unpredictable with his doosra. He is almost the no.1 ranked player of Test & Odi.He is the culprit of English debacle with 3-0 whitewash. He was one of the reason why Pakistan had so many success in T20 level.He developed his skill to greater extend in shorter amount of time. How can he be NOT in the list and what is the reason for his exclusion? TELL US.

Moazzam74
on September 8, 2012, 12:39 GMT

Someone is saying that he is best in one year but not has cumulative wicket records. We are considering best player in a player. if we have to check past record then all players of all times should be considered for this year.

Moazzam74
on September 8, 2012, 12:32 GMT

Whatever the mechanism or process of selection, this final list is useless in this circumstances when it is very clear to everyone that AJMAL is world's best bowler. So ICC no need to hold such event when result will be altogether different. A BBBBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDDDD decision / selection of so called independent selctors.

syed.r.karim
on September 8, 2012, 1:59 GMT

@Shivh: thanks for your last comments, really cricket lovers will wake up. I would request you to share your great knowledge more.

on September 7, 2012, 20:54 GMT

@Shivh,
He has summed up the whole thing :)))

Shivh
on September 7, 2012, 13:28 GMT

I have one question to ask ICC and people support Ajmal's omission; was the jury not independent when Swann was left out?? If the answer is yes then why was he included later?

on September 7, 2012, 12:14 GMT

@Maverick Programmer--if his age is 34 and he has bagged just over 100 wickets does mean dat he cant be great....every time figures r not every thing...he got 72 wickets in a duration of one year...any way he hasnt played so many test matches..its not his fault..this is the fault of pakistani selectors who hasnt given chance to not just pak's great talent instead he is world's toughest spinner to play...

on September 7, 2012, 9:51 GMT

Cricket has become a batsmen's game. Rules such as powerplays, limited short balls, no ball free hits, two balls used in the ODI's. All these rules assist the batsmen. Only one bowler is nominated in the Player of the year-that too he has taken 60 less wickets than Ajmal this year- proves the fact that cricket is all about the batsmen. Fine ICC are ignoring one of the best bowler in world cricket since the 2011 WC, but at least make it a fair game for the bowlers. In my opinion Ajmal deserves the Cricketer of the Year as much as Kumar or Amla.

on September 7, 2012, 6:20 GMT

Apparently ICC seems to rate batters much above bowlers. I would recommend to ICC to admit their mistake and reconsider!

syed.r.karim
on September 7, 2012, 2:17 GMT

In world cricket, the only bowler, the batsman can afraid off in all form of cricket, which is Ajmal. Afridi told in a conference Sachin Tendulkar can't play him comfortably. Mahela jayawardene told Ajmal is the most danger bowler as per his variation is concern. In the world cricket Sachin and jayawardene is the best batsman against spin. they played lots against kumble,murli,warne. If Jayewardene believe Ajmal is the world best why we can't? So, no one needs to justify his talent and performance. @Maverick Programme- why you don't understand??

on September 8, 2012, 17:50 GMT

world's no.1 T20 leading wicket taker is not included in the final list. His performance was great and he was purely unpredictable with his doosra. He is almost the no.1 ranked player of Test & Odi.He is the culprit of English debacle with 3-0 whitewash. He was one of the reason why Pakistan had so many success in T20 level.He developed his skill to greater extend in shorter amount of time. How can he be NOT in the list and what is the reason for his exclusion? TELL US.

Moazzam74
on September 8, 2012, 12:39 GMT

Someone is saying that he is best in one year but not has cumulative wicket records. We are considering best player in a player. if we have to check past record then all players of all times should be considered for this year.

Moazzam74
on September 8, 2012, 12:32 GMT

Whatever the mechanism or process of selection, this final list is useless in this circumstances when it is very clear to everyone that AJMAL is world's best bowler. So ICC no need to hold such event when result will be altogether different. A BBBBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDDDD decision / selection of so called independent selctors.

syed.r.karim
on September 8, 2012, 1:59 GMT

@Shivh: thanks for your last comments, really cricket lovers will wake up. I would request you to share your great knowledge more.

on September 7, 2012, 20:54 GMT

@Shivh,
He has summed up the whole thing :)))

Shivh
on September 7, 2012, 13:28 GMT

I have one question to ask ICC and people support Ajmal's omission; was the jury not independent when Swann was left out?? If the answer is yes then why was he included later?

on September 7, 2012, 12:14 GMT

@Maverick Programmer--if his age is 34 and he has bagged just over 100 wickets does mean dat he cant be great....every time figures r not every thing...he got 72 wickets in a duration of one year...any way he hasnt played so many test matches..its not his fault..this is the fault of pakistani selectors who hasnt given chance to not just pak's great talent instead he is world's toughest spinner to play...

on September 7, 2012, 9:51 GMT

Cricket has become a batsmen's game. Rules such as powerplays, limited short balls, no ball free hits, two balls used in the ODI's. All these rules assist the batsmen. Only one bowler is nominated in the Player of the year-that too he has taken 60 less wickets than Ajmal this year- proves the fact that cricket is all about the batsmen. Fine ICC are ignoring one of the best bowler in world cricket since the 2011 WC, but at least make it a fair game for the bowlers. In my opinion Ajmal deserves the Cricketer of the Year as much as Kumar or Amla.

on September 7, 2012, 6:20 GMT

Apparently ICC seems to rate batters much above bowlers. I would recommend to ICC to admit their mistake and reconsider!

syed.r.karim
on September 7, 2012, 2:17 GMT

In world cricket, the only bowler, the batsman can afraid off in all form of cricket, which is Ajmal. Afridi told in a conference Sachin Tendulkar can't play him comfortably. Mahela jayawardene told Ajmal is the most danger bowler as per his variation is concern. In the world cricket Sachin and jayawardene is the best batsman against spin. they played lots against kumble,murli,warne. If Jayewardene believe Ajmal is the world best why we can't? So, no one needs to justify his talent and performance. @Maverick Programme- why you don't understand??

syed.r.karim
on September 7, 2012, 1:47 GMT

@Maverick Programer- Could you please explain me who is your better choice? 65 wickets in a year with the support of world's best bowler like dale steyn, morni morkel Or 72 wickets with the support of very inexperience blowing line up. I think the second one, yes that is saeed Ajmal.

on September 7, 2012, 1:42 GMT

Too many stupid people on here.
First, I don't know why people are complaining about his action. He was tested, and he has a hyper-extension due to an accident at a young age. Keep up with whats happening in the cricketing world, or just don't comment about it.
Second, the person saying one year of good cricket doesn't make someone a legend. Oh is this issue about legend of cricket award? I didn't think so. It's player of the year award. It doesn't matter if he had one good year or five good years. He performed exceptionally well in the period that ICC considers and that's what the issue is about.
Get your facts right before you come on here and comment.

OESHSHI
on September 6, 2012, 19:55 GMT

If one good year doesn't make someone a good cricker then how come Philander is in the list?

on September 6, 2012, 19:29 GMT

Guys Guys ..just chill down - One good year in international cricket DOESN'T make a cricketer a phenomenon or a legend.Infact, as one of you suggested, "Playing S Ajmal for dummies" is just a mere joke than the true picture.At 34 years old and with just over 100 wickets over International cricket, you guys are over looking the fact that there are better bowlers in the world who were stars for a few months and then faded away gradually ( Ajantha Mendis is a classic example).

MENDIS_Forever
on September 6, 2012, 18:01 GMT

Since I was addicted to world cricket,I have been highly admiring 6 bowlers.Whenever they bowl,I always tell myself "OK.next delivery yields a wicket.".Sure.They are capable of doing that any time.The guys are Wasim Akram,Waqar younis,Shane Warne, Murali, Malinga, and AJMAL.A treat to watch them bowling.

yasir.jaffri
on September 6, 2012, 17:44 GMT

@Navindra Persad: Bro separate awards are in place for all three formats of the game named Test Player of the year, ODI Player of the year and T20 Player of the year. Then there is one ultimate award named ICC Player of the year. As the name suggests itself nominees of the Player of the year award should be the individuals with performances in all three formats of the game and with due respect not the players who play only one format and even their own selectors feel that they are not good enough for the other two formats. For me, the nominees of this award should have performed atleast in two formats of the game, else there is no need for a separate Player of the year award; only test player of the year award would do the job.

on September 6, 2012, 17:26 GMT

@ game_mayank - It is ICC cricket award for quality bowling and not an award for pace or speed, Had it been the later one then Akhtar and Tait would have won this award every time in their era. Styen is certainly the best bowler in the world by far and deserves ICC bowling award. The question is only why Azmal is excluded from the nomination list despite being number 1 spin bowler in the world.

on September 6, 2012, 16:54 GMT

ONLY one question WHY WAS ONLY ONE BOWLER SELECTED. AJMAL had 2nd best performance in TEST cricket as a bowler, behind Philander. In my opinion only batsman with better performance with Amla. DO not see how CLARKE could have possibly been included.

on September 6, 2012, 16:52 GMT

the PCB and Saeed Ajmal supporters are assuming the Test Cricketer of the Year Award is results based rather being subjective and based on opinion, which it is. This is why no one takes the award seriously and why the PCB need to put aside its persecution complex and let the matter rest... it is a pointless battle...

on September 6, 2012, 16:49 GMT

the AWARD says TEST CRICKETER OF THE YEAR, not CRICKETER of the YEAR.
PHILANDER has to be TEST CRICKETER OF THE YEAR
HANDS DOWN his performance in TEST CRICKET for the year was PHENOMENAL

Fahii
on September 6, 2012, 15:56 GMT

He is really a top class spinner, he would have taken more wickets then Warne/Murli if played longer enough. He has performed everywhere almost in all format of the game.

He is the real # player of the year, probably he will remain uptill he continues to play.

LoftierMuffin
on September 6, 2012, 15:49 GMT

ICC just cannot digest the fact that despite not allowing Pakistan any cricket at home, PAKISTAN is still coming up with better players than other countries. This only makes Pakistan better.

@GasPipe: I can tell you he doesn't care, he probably shrugged his shoulders and smiled. Plus, Yousuf was the last to win and since then they know the awards function is merely an event they happen to attend, hopefully to watch our beloved Aleem Dar win...
@Maverick Programmer: Why is it such an abstruse concept for cricinfo readers that UAE tracks are NOT rank turners?
@ leggetinoz: Isn't that the big idea? That the governing body's premier award seems like a stupid thing to us? It shouldn't be a stupid thing. Might as well disband ICC altogether if this is the respect they have.
@Clan_McLachlan : Exactly! His best performance may be in tests, but it pervades all formats, and he got the world talking about him. The only thing left is for a book coming out "Playing Ajmal for Dummies". In effect, he during the past year has been a phenomenon that defies mere numbers!

Fast_Track_Bully
on September 6, 2012, 13:44 GMT

WTH to bring BCCI in this. Pak/BD representatives are in the ICC office. Pak fans can question them.

Sinhaya
on September 6, 2012, 13:31 GMT

@maddy20, so you are wrong to say we lost "everything". When we drew a series, it is not a loss. Learn the definition of a loss first. Also, when you say lost "everything" it means all matches played and that is 100% wrong. You have not even mentioned about the Pakistan series at home where we won the tests 1-0 and ODIs 3-1. So we did win 2 series. So you are clearly wrong. Ajmal deserves an award for being the greatest bowler today, but Sanga's prolific run in all forms deserves one indeed.

StatisticsRocks
on September 6, 2012, 13:31 GMT

This is ridiculous inspite of Aamir Sohail and Pakistani journalist Majid Bhatti being members of the jury panel. Everyone knows Ajmal is the best spin bowler in the world inallforms of the game, just ask the Aussies and they will tell u. Least to say at least people r nt blaming India/BCCI as the jury members included Pakistanis.

rahulcricket007
on September 6, 2012, 12:55 GMT

IT'S QUITE FUNNY THAT ON WHAT BASIS PHILANDER HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR CRICKETER OF THE YEAR AWARD WHEN HE DID N'T PLAY ANY ODI & T20 . HE ONLY PLAYED TESTS . WHILE AJMAL IS TAKING HEAP OF WKTS IN ALL THREE FORMS .

on September 6, 2012, 12:22 GMT

@ramli : ICC is BCCI, you can not do anything in ICC if BCCI does not support.

dmuzaf
on September 6, 2012, 12:12 GMT

Amazing how their (ICC) view on the matter was completly opposite a year ago.

on September 6, 2012, 11:54 GMT

@WickyRoy.paklover, I am glad you are looking up stats. But please learn to analyse them. Murali and Warne are miles ahead of Ajmal because they had to struggle in alien conditions and come out on top, Ajmal is yet to prove himself outside Asia. Calling Saqlain better than Murali and so many other top notch ODI bowlers is a joke. Murali has played for so many years and taken so many wickets. If you make a specific claim that Saqlain was better than Murali during a certain year, then perhaps that has some truth, but overall Murali and Warne= greatest spinners of all time, across all formats.

on September 6, 2012, 11:34 GMT

its not that difficult!!! rangana herath also has 70 wkts in this period. also ajmals wickets came again Zim, Bangladesh, SL and England. we all know how good are the english against spin. even harbhajan gets wickets against them. Even if he got included he wont win so there is no point wasting any time on it. it be either sanga or clarke who will get crickter of the yr maybe amla.i dont understand what is so hard to understand about this, anyone with a little commonsense would be bothered by a player who cannot win is not included int he final probables. LOL

yasir.jaffri
on September 6, 2012, 9:21 GMT

Presently cricket is being played in THREE formats; Test, ODI's and T20's, so logically the Cricketer of the Year Award should account for the performances in all three formats.

Now coming to the short listed players for the award, the only bowler short listed is Vernon Philander whose performance during the assessment period (04Aug2011 to 04Aug2012) is as under:

Tests: 63 Wickets in 10 Matches at an Average of 15.96
ODI's: 1 Wicket in 1 Match at an Average of 39.00
T20's: No Match Played

Compare the above stats with the stats of Saeed Ajmal during the assessment period:

Tests: 72 Wickets in 12 Matches at an Average of 24.29
ODI's: 37 Wickets in 22 Matches at an Average of 22.57
T20's: 11 Wickets in 8 Matches at an Average of 14.72

MAKE UP YOUR OWN MINDS GUYS

LoftierMuffin
on September 6, 2012, 8:58 GMT

I really want to hear THAT REASON for Ajmal's Exclusion. and I want to laugh at that tooo :D

Bilal_Choudry
on September 6, 2012, 8:53 GMT

would love to c how many wickets philander would pick when he tours sub continent and UAE ... ajmal has been in the top 3 bowlers in all formats since 2010 ... dont think he can get more consistent than that

S.Jagernath
on September 6, 2012, 8:27 GMT

If Saeed Ajmal's performance does not warrant a nomination,then what warrants Michael Clarke's inclusion?He just scored runs at home & that too against Ishant Sharma!Clarke's only good performance away from Australia was his century at Newlands.Ajmal never plays at home.

ramli
on September 6, 2012, 8:21 GMT

In a fit of anger ... people start comparing .. cool down ... luckily BCCI is not blamed for this!!! Ajmal richly deserves ICC top honours and shall win the award in future .. till then ... bye bye

Clan_McLachlan
on September 6, 2012, 8:12 GMT

Ajmal shouldn't be on the short list for the Test Cricketer award, there have been other better performers in Tests.

He should be on the short list for Cricketer of the Year, as others have pointed out there are few others who have performed as well across all three formats.

PCB have picked the wrong battle, and lost.

Moez75
on September 6, 2012, 7:29 GMT

ICC has lost all Credibility for these awards. If the panel leaves THE best bowler out of the nominations, it is either baised or there is someting wrong with the process. Period

WickyRoy.paklover
on September 6, 2012, 7:27 GMT

@Trevor Thomas,evrybdy knows that ajmal z bst at present n murali,warne were al time test greats while saqlain was n would always be shouldrs above murali,warne n any othr spiner in odi format,so saqlain was/z bst evr off.spiner in odi frmat while mural,warne in test frmat,havng said that:comparing ajmal 2 years stats with murali,warne or even saqlain,he z right up there if nt betr,if u doubt me,u betr check out statsguru.

davidatlas999
on September 6, 2012, 6:52 GMT

Bip q here why only one bowler and 3 bat.because other then philander no one near of ajmal only you can say hirath is there.if the go and salect other bowler then it should b ajmal.thats why the go with 3 batsmen.all crikter saying that 5 for is better then a 100.but they are doing tottaly difrent in icc pannel.they keep out some one who get 76 wkt in test and 120wkt in all formats.just wanna coferm there is one place for test player and one for player of the year.he should b there as a player of the year and the winner if not in test player of year.

on September 6, 2012, 6:38 GMT

@ all those comparing Murali and Ajmal. Please don't embarrass yourselves. There is no comparison, Ajmal is presently the best spinner, Murali is the best of all time. With Warne a close second. Until Ajmal reaches at least 500 wickets at a similar economy and strike rate to Murali and Warne, and performs all over the world with similar records, please do not mock the greats. If Ajmal started at 20, who knows if he would have been anywhere near as good as he is now. If he did start early and was as good (or a little better than he is now), then maybe there would have been a chance of him coming close to Murali. Even then, a big maybe.

Sudarshanj
on September 6, 2012, 6:34 GMT

@ Game mayank- bro i love Dale Steyn. He's the best fast bowler going around. But if you carefuly consider all three formats, Ajmal just cuts above him. Steyn in odi's n t20's isn't as good as the Steyn in tests.. On the other hand Ajmal is equally effective in all three formats. His doosera is most feared delivery in world cricket today. Thats what i meant...

on September 6, 2012, 6:33 GMT

Dear all, I am agreed with Mr.Leggetinoz, if Ajmal should reenterd in short list, it should not be happened for the first time. Anyway, Ajmal dosn`t not need any experience letter, He will show the world, what He is, As England have seen last year. All the best Ajmal and I am thankfull to all Ajmal`s supporters.

IndrajeetK
on September 6, 2012, 6:20 GMT

Ajmal's contribution is valuable for PAK cricket. Instead of M.Clark, he should get nominated. Why Clark is not understandable. i think they considered his performance against India @ home only.

haseeb
on September 6, 2012, 6:12 GMT

well i dont understand whats the arguement about yeah its disappointing that he is not in that list ..but tats not ICC fault ? i mean there was a 32 man jury who voted and ones who gets the maximum votes are being nominated so blame the jury . i read so many comments comparing players .. i just want to say u cant compare player from different Era ..at the moment saeed ajmal is the best spin bowler in the world .but tat doesnt mean he is better than murali or Saqlain etc ..Tc

maddy20
on September 6, 2012, 5:50 GMT

@Sinhaya
You lost 1-0 in England. England won the first by an innings and the other two were draw. You lost in SA 2-1 . You made it to the finals but you did not win the CB series. Simply put, you were 2nd in a three team tournament. You drew the home series against ENgland. You did not win it. Simply put your team did not win any tournament and lost everything they played including the home ODI series vs India and the T20 that followed. Please clarify which tournament you won in 2011-2012 period? Nothing! As such Sangakkara does not deserve to be in the list. Ajmal single handedly won the England series who were then the No.1 side.

on September 6, 2012, 5:34 GMT

I follow cricket from last 30+ years, I never saw the batsman more afraid of anyone than this guy ajmal. You say greats today tendulkar, jawardena, pietersen, etc look them at you tube vs ajmal story will be clear. Look these guys against warne and murali. You will find over batsman pressure of ajmal is 10 times greater than warne + murlai. Pak has huge bowling talent he had to wait until he was 30. Otherwise he is not matchable.

leggetinoz
on September 6, 2012, 2:30 GMT

Ajmal, should have been included for no other reason than the fact that it appears that fans from Pakistans are the only people who truly care who gets nominated for these stupid things. A couple of aussie might have been surprised if Clarke didn't get nominated after the year he had but at the end of the day most of us wouldn't even know that this thing was coming up.

on September 6, 2012, 2:22 GMT

I am an Indian!I am too surprised of exclusion of Ajmal from the list!!@Adithya Raghunathan:bro please don't that tell as a reason!!cricket is not played only southafrica, australia or england!!typical conditions in sub continent pitches is real test for any batsman!!England and Australia struggled against ajmal recently!!You will not get full pace and swing in sub continent pitch similarly u won't get full spin in pitches abroad!!also his top three performance are outside subcontinent!! I heard similar comments against indian cricketer's also ashwin and ohja!!many of the foreign cricketers have horrible record on subcontinent pitches!!!then people doesn't consider them as good ones?Ajmal deserve the spot and more than that he is widely accepted talent probably best spinner in world!!

on September 6, 2012, 1:16 GMT

@syed R Karim - The same way Ajmal played only on turning tracks against England - so he doesnt qualify as per the same logic

on September 6, 2012, 1:02 GMT

@Kays789 - so what qualifies Ajmal ? a bag full of wickets against clueless English batsmen ?

on September 6, 2012, 0:42 GMT

@ejsiddiqui - so what explanation you want ? ICC already made it clear that he is not good enough and the list is already final.So, if they include Ajmal now, every board will then start filing appeals with a player of their own choice.You may see requests like Lionel Messi, to be nominated for test player of the year and Iceland for the test playing nation of the year ...

on September 6, 2012, 0:31 GMT

@GasPipe - I wonder what your comment will be, if he was in the list and won the actual award ;-)

on September 6, 2012, 0:30 GMT

Hello guys, you know the easiest job in the world ? To blame some one else for your own short comings. Now BCCI cant be responsible for global warming, Tsunamis or any thing else, are they ? so please look at the problem, not for scape goat.BTW, in my view the existing list is a perfect list and ICC was correct in not including Ajmal in the list. Period

Sinhaya
on September 6, 2012, 0:24 GMT

@Afridynamite, bro I adore Pakistan big time as a Lankan even in things other than cricket but I disagree Ajmal is better than Murali. Surely if Ajmal is so great, why did he have to wait till he was 32 years to play for Pakistan? Murali's record will be hard to be broken. I hope Ajmal will play for another 2 years in tests. Dont say Ajmal is better than Murali but.

Sinhaya
on September 6, 2012, 0:21 GMT

@maddy20, what rubbish are you talking to say that Sri Lanka lost "everything" that they played at home and away?? In your dreams buddy. We drew with England 1-1, we won a test match in SA in December last year, we beat Pakistan 3-1 in ODIs, we made it to the CB series finals, so you are 100% wrong. Sangakkara has scored plenty of test runs and he deserves it. Yes Ajmal too deserves on the bowling front by all means.

on September 5, 2012, 23:14 GMT

very unfortunate that Ajmal missed the list but a very poor article. Should have had statistical comparrissons with those who made the list so that the readers could judge whether he was deserved or not

GasPipe
on September 5, 2012, 23:04 GMT

I wonder if Ajmal actually cares? If I was a player playing at the highest level, and I felt like I was improving my playing, contributing to my team, and just plain enjoying my cricket, I honestly couldn't care less about awards like this.

Sal76
on September 5, 2012, 23:02 GMT

In my previous comments I had mentioned that this is about "TEST" cricketer of the year, so based on Test Cricket performance, all names included in the current list deserve a spot. Despite all criticism, based on Test performance, even Vernon Philander as well as Michael Clarke (though I don't like Clarke). The fact is all the current nominees still deserve to be in there and yet I think Ajmal also deserved a nomination. Oh, and did I mention Amla should win?

Afridynamite
on September 5, 2012, 23:00 GMT

Ajmal is a better bowler than Murali any day

Sal76
on September 5, 2012, 22:58 GMT

Am I wrong or is everyone overlooking the fact that this is about "TEST" cricketer of the year. Why does a player's record in other formats matter for "TEST" cricketer of the year? If the given stats are accurate, Ajmal deserved a nomination. I am also not sure why some of the comments appear like desperate attempts to malign BCCI, it's not like the BCCI needs it. Let's focus on the issue, Ajmal deserves a nomination and Amla should win it.

maddy20
on September 5, 2012, 22:27 GMT

Very well put jb633. I cannot believe Sanga is in the list. What has he won for SL last year? SL lost everything they played, either at home or away. Ajmal on the contrary has made batsmen across the world dance to his tunes. ICC's procedure of nominating needs a serious relook - From an Indian fan.

on September 5, 2012, 21:41 GMT

Talent should be respected......sports should not be the part of politics??!!

on September 5, 2012, 21:30 GMT

Ajmal gets his real award multiple times in every game he plays. His real award is the clueless look on the face of top international batsmen that face him and are made to look like school kids by him! :)

on September 5, 2012, 21:16 GMT

really disappointed with icc ,, ajmal u r our hero

jb633
on September 5, 2012, 21:10 GMT

I would have to say that Ajmal can count himself very unlucky. He tore us to shreds this winter and has pretty much made every batsman across the world look silly. I cannot wait to see him pit his skills against India. Obviously the Indian batsmen are the best players of spin in the world but i still think he will take wickets against them.
I would have thought Ajmal could take the place of Sanga in that list but he has had a very good year too. Difficult decision to make.

Kays789
on September 5, 2012, 20:59 GMT

ajmal certainly deserved the nod ahead of clarke on this list. hammering a triple ton against a bunch of clueless indian bowlers just isn't good enough to end up on this list.

cricpolitics
on September 5, 2012, 20:37 GMT

For those who are calling Ajmal a chucker, they are just big whingers and are in denial to accept his success. Chucker or not he is certainly choking teams around the world. People also tried to call Murali a chucker too but look what happened, all these whingers lost in the darkness of the history.

cricpolitics
on September 5, 2012, 20:34 GMT

Ajmal is no doubt the wizard of spin and by far the best spin bowler in the world today. Have any doubts? ask the English team and now the Australians who are clueless against Ajmal. By the way for those who think it's chucking, the reverse swing was also a crime when only Pakistanis had mastered it, look where it is now, everyone wants to master it. Ajaml is wrongly being targeted for the art he has and wait til others master it, which I doubt, and then there will be no issues all of a sudden.

Desihungama
on September 5, 2012, 20:15 GMT

Lot of comments pouring in over support for Ajmal. I guess that nullifies any injustice against him? I wonder what would Clarke say if you ask the same question. Him and his compatriots just faced him. Anyways, who cares for an ICC award when everyone knows who the match winners are. I guess this will also make Ajmal resolve more stronger than ever.

Dilbar786
on September 5, 2012, 20:12 GMT

why they added Swann last time?

on September 5, 2012, 19:58 GMT

Ajmal doesn't need confirmation of his class from ICC. Every single batsman in the world knows the worth of Ajmal in Pakistan team and he single handedly lift the team in the past couple of years. He is a cricketer ruling the cricket grounds. Long live Pakistan and stay blessed Saeed Ajmal....

MohsinBallack
on September 5, 2012, 19:50 GMT

He,s Greatest Off Spinner Of Modern Era He,s Dont Need Any Certificate From India,S ICC

MohsinBallack
on September 5, 2012, 19:45 GMT

He,s Deserve The Award Surely But For Some Reason Always That Happen With Pakistan Team And Their Players.Look t Their Performance Most T20 International Winners They Are 1st T20 Tournament They Are Runner Up In 2nd Edition They Are Winners in 3rd Semi finalists But Still They Are No 6 How ??????????

on September 5, 2012, 19:39 GMT

in 1 year he took 72 wickets not in any home series, it means he took all wickets either on neutral or in other venue so i think its very difficult.. he should be at-least in the list.

bigwonder
on September 5, 2012, 19:14 GMT

@vswami, I too am struggling to find a way to blame IPL for this. May be England fans can help.

Aura123
on September 5, 2012, 19:09 GMT

ProdigyA @ England did the same for Swann, PCB has the full right to appeal.
Who cares about ICC award. He made Top english batsman look like ordinary players and now he is doing the same to Australian . Everyone knows AJMAL is the best in the world.

Of course the committee is neutral.That is why world's best bowler by a country mile is not even in the short list.Anyway,he doesn't need ICC's certificate for confirmation of his class.Ask any current batsman

on September 5, 2012, 18:56 GMT

he is a chucker. accept it

superstar100
on September 5, 2012, 18:04 GMT

ajmal still have to prove lot but i dont thik he has lot of time left already 35 years or someting !!!! how manay test he plays look the average agn some good teams he proves himself only agan ENG what about AUS, SA, NEZ 111,65,58, i am taking about test matches only :P

ejsiddiqui
on September 5, 2012, 17:15 GMT

A Player of the year should be best in All formats not like Clarks and Philander who have not played T20. Amla a great Test and ODI player has 12.4 avg in T20. Sangakara is right in the list as he is the leading run scorer in all formats. Kohli can be another good choice for the Player of the year. He performed well in all formats. Whereas Amla, Clark and Philander did not performed well in all formats.

on September 5, 2012, 17:12 GMT

that's statistically unfair! at least he deserves to be nominated for the award.

Cricket_Blues
on September 5, 2012, 17:05 GMT

The issue here is not merely the ICC cricketer of the year award, but that the only bowler who is in top 3 of all 3 formats, who has taken far more wickets in the year than the second best, is not included in ANY of the award categories. It is a shame that when you scroll down the lists of all these categories, Saeed Ajmal is a name conspicuously absent.

on September 5, 2012, 16:50 GMT

That's poor decision by ICC

the_blue_android
on September 5, 2012, 16:46 GMT

Ajmal bhai! We know you're the best spinner in world. It's OK if 4 random blokes do not give you an award. I will go one step further and say that you're more skilled than Murali and Warne. If you had gotten chances since the age of 23, you would have 500/600 test wickets easily! - From an Indian Fan.

I am an Indian. To be very fair, Ajmal should have been in and Clarke out.

MianNawabAli
on September 5, 2012, 16:07 GMT

This is completely rediculous, Ajmal, a world class spinner, and not only pakistan but the whole world knows him for his excellency, is not included in the final list. He is the only spinner to have reached to that position. Specially last year was the best ever for him. He deserved the award directly even without the jury`s choice. ICC should reconsider its decision and include him in the list.

on September 5, 2012, 16:04 GMT

He may magical spinner, but compare to selected 4 he is nothing....

Balumekka
on September 5, 2012, 15:53 GMT

@Caji: Yes, Ajmal is the best spinner at present by a country mile. However, your statement ..."Ajmal is the best spinner at this moment, even better than Murli was ever..." is hilarious. Just compare the stats of these two. Only spinner that can be compared with Murali was Warne. No other spinner belongs to the league of Warne and Murali. Its totally a different class than others.

SangakaraFan
on September 5, 2012, 15:18 GMT

I agree that Ajmal had good series against England BUT with just one series does not qualify him for the best bowler award. He has to be CONSISTENT and be performing all over the world like Murli did, not just in Sub-continent.

Bruisers
on September 5, 2012, 15:17 GMT

Its a bit surprising but I guess its got to do with his 'special' action which is only controversially legitimate. Anyways Philander is my pick for the award.

on September 5, 2012, 15:11 GMT

Absolute shame on ICC, Cant believe Ajmal is not considered. No. 1 Classic offspinner in the world

JerryV
on September 5, 2012, 15:10 GMT

As an Englishman, I would naturally support Swann over Ajmal, but quite clearly, over the past year, Ajmal has been the superior spinner. This decision is quite questionable and Pakistan are right to feel aggrieved.

syed.r.karim
on September 5, 2012, 14:59 GMT

@ landl47: Why ICC considers Philander instead of Ajmal? Philander is baby in world cricket, never played in the subcontinent. Played in such a condition where the ball is swimming that's why he got some wickets. Please compare with Ajmal, how better he is. Ajmal's exclusion is shame for cricket.

on September 5, 2012, 14:58 GMT

though they not included ajmal in the award list yet he is the best spinner in the worl and the best spinner of all times!!!!!!

on September 5, 2012, 14:50 GMT

totally unfair ICC should think again.. ajmal is the best always

on September 5, 2012, 14:42 GMT

I am from Bangladesh. When Bangladesh played against Azmal this yr, at that moment i knew Azmal is the best spinner at this moment...... He has variations, unpredicatable............. So, His exclusion does not make any sense........ Though i am not surprised......... !!! Bcoz we, the Bangladeshis are used to discouraging behaviours and comments........ i think Azmal has nothing to prove... He will keep doing the good things for Pakistan. As a Bangladeshi I can only hope he will have a bad day against Bangladesh........:)

on September 5, 2012, 14:42 GMT

Ajmal requires no award................ no numbers

shizam
on September 5, 2012, 14:37 GMT

Here is the bottom line. The whole cricketing world combined has never produced and WILL NEVER be able to produce world class bowlers like Wasim Akram, Imran Khan, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Amir and now Saeed Ajmal. Not including Saeed Ajmal in the shortlist of candidates for the cricketer of the year award DOES NOT and WILL NEVER change this fact. So Saeed Ajmal does not need a piece of paper or an award to prove that he is the best spinner of all times and there is no spinner in the world that can come even close to Ajmal's skill and talent.

CricketRealtime
on September 5, 2012, 14:36 GMT

Unfair for sure. A man who has taken wickets against the best sides in the world and a bowler who none of the batsman have been able to pick is not even nominated in the best bowler category !! Shocking. !! Ajmal should be proud of his achivements and should be happy that so many supporters around the world are rallying behind him. !! (@CricketRealtime)

ammarhassan
on September 5, 2012, 14:31 GMT

to me ... ajmal doesn't need any ICC award .. He is a legend ..

on September 5, 2012, 14:28 GMT

lol stop comparing ajmal to murlitharan murlitharan is the best spinner of all times

on September 5, 2012, 14:21 GMT

ICC has no explanation on ajmal,i think its unjustified decision.but we all love ajmel and that is his award,which is more prestegeous

on September 5, 2012, 14:18 GMT

Philander was phenomenal in tests....but i think that was it....Cricketer of the year award should go to a person who has perfomed extremely well in all the formats.......If they had to include a SA player, then i would have rather preferred Hashim Amla as he has been performing consistently in every format....... Saeed Ajmal has done extremely well for the past two years and it is ignorance to leave him out.............

on September 5, 2012, 14:14 GMT

Saeed Ajmal cannot be omitted - currently the only bowler who the best batsmen of the world cannot handle. It is very rare to see him being hit with any confidence by any batsmen in any form of the game, in any conditions.

on September 5, 2012, 14:10 GMT

Ulu Kay .............................

on September 5, 2012, 14:09 GMT

Screw awards. Ajmal is People's Champ!

mathewjohn2176
on September 5, 2012, 14:02 GMT

This is a ridiculous decision from the ICC .Ajmal deserved to be there along with Clark and Amla .@Rafelgibt ,why do you need to bring IND unnecessary in this ? Make sense while posting your view.

on September 5, 2012, 13:57 GMT

Saeed Ajmal don't need these certificates from ICC to prove his worth. He is among the very best in the business today.

on September 5, 2012, 13:52 GMT

absolutely joke , how can you put phillandar over Ajmal? this shows how credible these awards are

Zahidsaltin
on September 5, 2012, 13:44 GMT

@Ed FIller, Did Sanga score heavily outside the Asia. Then one could ask, did Philander took any wickets in Asia or did he take any in away games. Strange that if a English man scores in South Africa, Australia and NZ then there is no question that if he score in Asia too. Ajmal has taken all his wickets away from home as there is no games at home. They are made to call UAE as there home but it can never be, and you know it. It is like Manchester U made to use Dublin stadium for their home games. One can also ask, why three batsmen and only one bowler. Is it because these batsmen have done something Bradmanish or what?

zoot
on September 5, 2012, 13:42 GMT

"The shortlists are then created after the individual player awards are voted for by an academy of 32 highly credentialed cricket personalities"

What credentials ? They left out the best player ?!?! You may want to replace them next year.

on September 5, 2012, 13:38 GMT

Guys calm down and move on. Ajmal was in the long list, unlike Swann, but was not voted in the short list (just like Swann, after he was included in the long list by ICC) by the panel that included Amir Sohail and Majid Bhatti. Ajmal has made his mark and that's what really counts.

on September 5, 2012, 13:38 GMT

He havent took wicket expect in UAE , go to australia england southafrica and take wickets , atleast in one of those countries.

on September 5, 2012, 13:35 GMT

Ajmal took 72 wickets and philander took 56 wickets in test why Philander is in that list??

ProdigyA
on September 5, 2012, 13:25 GMT

PCB continues to be mockery. Its like going to an awards function and fighting for an award. He deserves a place, if not so bit it. Whats the big deal. PCB should stop begging and make a fool of itself.

on September 5, 2012, 13:24 GMT

The Real Player of the Cricket are one who top the table in Rankings ,, not who is voted by some STUPID SELECTORS ... AJMAL ROCKSS ,, HE IS THE PROUD OF PAKISTAN,,, HE WILL REMAIN THE MYSTERY SPINNER AND KEEP ON PROVING THE SAME.

critic666
on September 5, 2012, 13:21 GMT

@faridoon, relax - this is not a war or some election campaign for that speech. It is just a silly award. No need to get so much excited. By the way who cares who is the cricketer of the year? Does anyone recall who it was last year or the year before? It is all farce anyway.

Cricket_Only
on September 5, 2012, 13:20 GMT

Come on people, do we really need ICC to confirm the class of Saeed Ajmal?

MyComments
on September 5, 2012, 13:19 GMT

It's very normal, might is always right. Had he been from a powerful board he would have been nominated and even go on winning the award. But his greatest appreciation come once he confuses the greatest batsman of this era and commentators say they love him and he would be their first pick in their team.

vswami
on September 5, 2012, 13:18 GMT

I am struggling to find a way to blame BCCI for Ajmal's omission.

on September 5, 2012, 13:16 GMT

3 batsmen & 1 bowler is what happens when we allow Ex-batsmen to elect or select the best player of the year. This also say the state of this beautiful game which is 75% in favor of Batsmen compare to 25% for bowlers. Feel sorry for the bowlers.

on September 5, 2012, 13:12 GMT

@Michael Dickson you are obviously well versed with it all after doing the same last year when Swann was not listed.

Afta
on September 5, 2012, 13:12 GMT

Award or no award, we all know he is a skillful bowler has performed brilliantly for his country (statistics speaks for itself), respected and feared by all leading batsmen, has entertained us all with his execeptional talent and above all a nice guy. Pakistan is no ICC or has control over it. Be calm and show to the cricketing world that they are the best and mean business. Earn the respect and the rest will follow. We all know that Ajmal is the best off spinner at the moment, we love to see him play and that what matters.... and I am a Sri lankan saying this.

Murad400
on September 5, 2012, 13:11 GMT

Seriously nonsense and I would say utter nonsense. First of all there is nothing to blame on ICC, 32 members were sitting in ICC's jury including 2 Pakistani, even we are not sure that to whom they voted to, maybe those 2 jury members from Pakistan choose Dale Styen or someone else……
People are really crazy, I am from Pakistan too, but for me, Ajmal doesn't want any certificate or neither award from ICC nor those jury members favor, he is the best spin bowler in last couple of years, his statistics showing what he is capable of, so please stop talking nonsense.

on September 5, 2012, 13:07 GMT

Sudarshanj Ur Rite Brother..100% Agree Wid u..!

Vibhanu
on September 5, 2012, 13:01 GMT

Who ever is included to the short list sanga will win the award.

game_mayank
on September 5, 2012, 12:45 GMT

@ Sudarshanj - why ask any batter, lets ask you - would you favor facing 150 kmph steyn or a dibbly dobbly bowler like Ajmal? Just imagine you have a bat in your hand and are standing waiting for 1. steyn rushing in at full force or 2. ajmal dancing at bowling crease. Think and you will get the answer.

on September 5, 2012, 12:42 GMT

The best thing you can do: Don't criticize, but use it to strengthen yourself and get more determined Pakistan:)

on September 5, 2012, 12:38 GMT

For those of you wanting his inclusion, the question you then have to ask is which of the other 4 miss out. They have all had very good years as well, and personally I think they have had better years than Ajmal did, only just mind you.

HMU1
on September 5, 2012, 12:36 GMT

Surprised to see ICC's decision. But ANy outstanding player doesn't need ICC's certificate to prove himself.
If ICC is following such kind of justice even after having facts & figures in front of them, then what for they present the ranking and all records of each player, just nominate any one..this is the same what they did by omitting Ajmal's name...

Caji
on September 5, 2012, 12:30 GMT

Ajmal is the best spinner at this moment, even better than Murli was ever.

Syed_imran_abbas
on September 5, 2012, 12:30 GMT

I knew that pakistan will get this reply. only rich boards gets serious considerations. What a joke ICC has become. I would rather ask poor borads to be quite and just wait for your time.

on September 5, 2012, 12:29 GMT

Sham sham on ICC... Are you Blind?

on September 5, 2012, 12:29 GMT

Thanks ICC....May be Saeed Ajmal Did know how much we love him....Comments from all over wolrd are the Real Certificate of Saeed's Performance.....

chris_a18
on September 5, 2012, 12:28 GMT

I am an indian but surprised to see icc's decision. Ajmal had to be on the list since he topped the bowlers ranking in terms of wickets taken. Its a shame and ICC should accept their mistake instead of starting the blame game!!!!

satish619chandar
on September 5, 2012, 12:24 GMT

Not including Ajmal is fine. May be he is unlucky to miss out or may be thr fifth option but still, i would consider it as absurd if guys who don't play all three formats for this prestigious award. Philander was awesome in only one format and he could well have been nominated in upcoming player category or in tests alone. Even Clarke was excellent only in tests and decent in ODI. Thet would have easily created one slot where Ajmal could have been added. Wake up ICC.

OhPakistan
on September 5, 2012, 12:22 GMT

Ajmal's exclusion is tantamount to USAIN BOLT's and/or MICHAEL PHELPS's recent achievements not recognized !!!!!!!!! In past also, stranger things have taken place at ICC. A farce really.

on September 5, 2012, 12:11 GMT

@Sudarshanj... well said, Saeed Ajmal don't need these certificates from ICC to prove his worth. He is among the very best in the business today.

landl47
on September 5, 2012, 12:03 GMT

There are only 4 names on the final shortlist so one of those would have to be excluded if Ajmal was included. Which one do the crtics think shouldn't be there? Swann's case was completely different- he was in a different category and was excluded from the LONG list by an oversight. Ajmal was on the long list, the panel just thought the other 4 had better years. I'm not sure I would agree, but a good case could be made for all 4.

on September 5, 2012, 12:00 GMT

A totally unfair decision that is not reversible. Man with magical swing omitted out like a fly from the tea.

on September 5, 2012, 11:56 GMT

I think its totally unfair and disappointing not for Saeed Ajmal but for cricket,He make every good batsman dance on pitch with his bowling what else you need, for me there is no criteria exists.

MAK123
on September 5, 2012, 11:55 GMT

The selection criteria should not be based on the number of wickets taken/ number of runs scored but how a bowler or a batsman has influenced the outcome of a given match/ series. In this case, Ajmal clearly was an influence as far as the England vs Pakistan series in the UAE goes!!

Aura123
on September 5, 2012, 11:55 GMT

After Shane Warne & Murli the only spinner who is providing the real entertainment to the cricket's spectators around the world does not matter which country you belong too is the magician AJMAL. People around the world LOVE you and want to see you performe, i think this is your biggest AWARD.

kc69
on September 5, 2012, 11:55 GMT

My choice of test cricketer of year Hashim Amla and ODI Cricketer of the year Virat Kohli

EjazMahmood
on September 5, 2012, 11:55 GMT

Who cares about ICC awards. To be honest it doesn't make any difference when you come out on the pitch and face the music of unplayable spin bowling. The nomination system for awards is not perfect and I enjoy watching a mixture of offy, doosra and straight one with the same action more than a glittery award being given to someone. Cricket is played in ground not in a posh conference room.

on September 5, 2012, 11:49 GMT

well..ICC is behaving like a Mother-in-law with Pakistan.

on September 5, 2012, 11:48 GMT

Sad. ICC you are losing fans not only in Pak but all over the world. the ICC's expert panel has done little for the credibility of the awards.

yoongguns
on September 5, 2012, 11:47 GMT

What!! the first mistak was ajmal is not there in list and the other mistake is they do not think he should be in.. Are you joking ICC? Ajmal is one of the biigest threat for other countries...look at his variation and doosra..simply unplayble!! vwer wrong decision from ICC....From true indian and cricket friend!!

on September 5, 2012, 11:45 GMT

pathetic ICC..... but awards are not that worthy to declare him the best bowler... so he is performing and the world is watching... who cares for awards.. He is the best so far... and even the best batsmen in the world acknowledge his mysteries. Stay blessed

Happy_AusBang
on September 5, 2012, 11:40 GMT

This is a complete joke. I had written when Swann was overlooked. I think Ajmal deserves it much more than Swann did at the time. It is a sad state of affairs indeed that cricket seems to be dominated by three countries at the moment in terms of influence. I don't say the judges are biased, but it seems Pakistan is dismissed very easily. Anything less than extremely remarkable is no good. Even on that count, Saeed Ajmal should have been the test player of the year; if not at least he should have been on the shortlist. Clarke's only claim is the 329 he scored against an ordinary Indian attack in home conditions.

on September 5, 2012, 11:40 GMT

Being an India i cannot overlook the fact the Saeed Azmal is the number one spinner in the world by far and do not see other spinner including swann close to his skill and success. This is clearly a letdown for any cricketer. The only reason I see why he has been excluded is because he is too superior to the listed. Which indeed a crazy thought. Hard luck great guy Azmal, hard luck to our neighbors

jackiethepen
on September 5, 2012, 11:40 GMT

Some cricketers just don't get recognised even in their best years. Ajmal is one. Another is Amla. Hope he does better this time. Ian Bell had a wonderful Test year in 2011 av. 118 with 5 centuries. He didn't make ANY long list in that year!! Even if you go Aug 2010 to Aug 2011 (he was out with a broken foot in Aug 2010) he had 4 centuries and av of 84. Better than Tendulkar who was below par in 2011 but Tendulkar made the short list!

malepas
on September 5, 2012, 11:37 GMT

Very nice comments from our colleague Sudarshanj from India,,taking wickets in this day and age with docile wickets and batting friendly rules is really a big ask and I haven't seen anybody playing Ajmal with comfort so far across the three formats, steyn is a fast bowler so a different league but if you put all catagory of bowlers into one and ask any batsmen going, who he wouldn't like to face, you would find that Ajmal's name is poping up a lot. ICC now is just a political circus and PAK unfortunately lacking well behind on this forum so not to worry, keep permorming Ajmal, awards doesn't matter much but the performaces on the ground is what all cricket lovers wants to see. Its a privilage watching Ajmal in action and the way he confonded most of the top batsmen on all cricket venues he has played so far, so this Asian wickets notion is rubbish, he is just good everywhere.

Sandstorm82
on September 5, 2012, 11:34 GMT

I am disappointed as a Pakistani but that is where it stops. The system is progressive hence the change to independent voting as opposed to how it was in Swan's case. Whether the system is flawed or not is subjective just like whether Ajmal should be included in the shortlist or not. What isn't subjective is his class because without a shadow of doubt, he is the best spinner in the world today and possibly the best bowler too.

Mian.Invader
on September 5, 2012, 11:32 GMT

i was thinking of two players being test player of the year and ODI player of the year, Ajmal the test player of the year and Kohli the ODI player of the year. being a Pakistani i would be so happy to see ajmal in the short list, but thats not going to happen. But now i really want Kohli to win the ODI player of the year award, atleast that would justify the decision, he really deserves it.

on September 5, 2012, 11:30 GMT

This is Shame for ICC , Why Do they 1st Select the player for the Award ..if they have to omit it later .Ajmal is been Match Winner for Pakistan over the years He deserve to be in the list .

Selassie-I
on September 5, 2012, 11:26 GMT

Well, that's a farce isn't it.

on September 5, 2012, 11:25 GMT

Ajmal is really a fascinating bowler. Pakistan is an amazing cricketing nation having invented the Reverse sweep, the Reverse swing and now the 'Doosra'

ALATIFUSMAN
on September 5, 2012, 11:25 GMT

why so much disappoitment shown on not shortlisting of AJMAl everyone knows that he is at present the best of the lot and that should be enough for his suppoters.

jabrankundi
on September 5, 2012, 11:24 GMT

The committee had two Pakistanis in it. PCB should have asked them why Ajmal was not included, instead of going to ICC and as always making a mockery of itself

on September 5, 2012, 11:23 GMT

This is really mockery of the ICC Awards...@Sudarshanj ... you've rightly said that Ajmal doesn't need the ICC certificate for proving that he is the best bowler overall in all three formats of the game. Kamran Abbasi's article is worth reading where he says "Perhaps Ajmal's failing is that he represents an unfashionable cricket nation?" here is the link http://blogs.espncricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2012/09/ajmal_master_of_a_losers_game.php

on September 5, 2012, 11:23 GMT

Only 1 bowler and 3 batsmen in the list, if we have Ajmal bowling to these 3 batsmen, they might not have been in th list. He is recognized by the cricket lovers as a class act, just not getting the nominations is just a minor thing.

Baber_Baloch
on September 5, 2012, 11:23 GMT

ENG...AUS...NEW... for....ALL CRICKET WORLD SPIN THREATEN ...DOSRA.....SOON....TESRA.....AJMAL YOU MORE THAN award.....WE LOVE YOU.

Ambous
on September 5, 2012, 11:22 GMT

I was surprised to see Ajmal not on the list but this a Test award (so performances in other formats should not be an issue here but folks keep bringing it up) so perhpas, just perhaps the 4 selected are more worth nominees this year :sigh:

Perhaps the shortlist is too short but in my opinion its between Amla or big Vern... doesn't really matter who else is selected!!

on September 5, 2012, 11:17 GMT

Injustice by ICC...
Shame for ICC executive body,

on September 5, 2012, 11:17 GMT

Shame on u ICC you Are Not Doing a Fear Job

Third_Gear
on September 5, 2012, 11:17 GMT

Iit was clearly a FOOLISH & UNPROFESSIONAL decision by PCB.

Baber_Baloch
on September 5, 2012, 11:15 GMT

AJMAL no need any Award......He him self is Award......He is in today CRICKET KING OF THE KINGS ...SPINNER......GOD bless u AJMAL...good luck....Continue With Green Cap

on September 5, 2012, 11:11 GMT

ECB appealed and got Swanns name in the shortlist. 2 years forward, PCB appeals and ajmals case is rejected. Even though ajmals case is much stronger than swanns. As said by allot of ppl, ask the batsman who they fear the most these days.

on September 5, 2012, 11:11 GMT

Saeed Ajmal is far better than Graeme Swann but PCB will never get same respect in ICC as ECB

Aaryabhatta
on September 5, 2012, 11:10 GMT

Shame..ICC..Ajmal is best spinner gng around-Indian

cricket0007
on September 5, 2012, 11:10 GMT

ICC should make it clear whether the players are chosen on the basis of their performance or is it just dependent on the choice of the majority of that panel? and if that is the case then they should give out the details regarding the votes that each player in the long list got. This would clear all the doubts and answer all the queries regarding the 4 nominated players

on September 5, 2012, 11:10 GMT

@ Umair Dar, once again this is for TEST CRICKET, International Wickets (combined Test ODI and T20) mean absolutely nothing, it is TEST CRICKET that is looked at for TEST CRICKETER of the year. 'Kay? Got that people? Move on please!

umar_jan
on September 5, 2012, 11:09 GMT

This is just unbelievable. It's just shame to see such a legend off spinner and not on the list. Can the panel just tell what sort of stats do they consider. This man white washed england and he is not on the list. I strongly condemn hix exclusion from the list and demand from ICC that he should again be considered. He deserves to be nominated else ICC will start loosing it's worth.

on September 5, 2012, 11:08 GMT

Good stats, but lets face it - he didn't make as much of an impact as Vernon Philander or Hashim Amla. Those two would have taken most of the votes and Clarke and Sanga probably just scraped through with the rest, including Ajmal, not far behind. Also - the fact that Ajmal only took 6 wickets outside of Asia could have been a factor. And they were vs Zimbabwe.

anuradha_d
on September 5, 2012, 11:08 GMT

It is ridiculous that Ajmal is not on the shortlist.

ICC claims that there is an indepndent, transparent process ????...and what is that process.....if it so transparent then why is PCB and all not allowed to see that process........and how come Swann was included in the shortlist when ECB complained...what was the critera followed then when ICC admitted foresight.....you know what...FOR INCIDENTS LIKE THESE....ICC is losing it's credibility

wiseshah
on September 5, 2012, 11:07 GMT

elias sunny also didnt get nomination for debutante after superb performances, so is nasir hossain

AmjadZork
on September 5, 2012, 11:04 GMT

This is unfair !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rafelgibt
on September 5, 2012, 11:03 GMT

This is absolutely awful....Now what ICC is going to say IND is pushing hard to omit Ajmal from the list???As a die hard BAN fan i raise my voice with much anger saying `AJMAL must have been included in the list and win the TROPHY'..... Shame on ICC jury committee>>>>

on September 5, 2012, 11:03 GMT

MOST OF THE CRICKET LOVERS ALL AROUND THE WORLD WILL COTRADICT ICC REGARDING THIS DECISION. PEOPLE BELIEVE,HE IS THE BEST SPINNER NOWADAYS. IT IS REALLY PITY!

on September 5, 2012, 11:01 GMT

To include or not to be in short list for ICC award I think there will be no effect for his performances as number spinner in the world just look at the just finished series of OIs against Australia he is main wicket taken 10 wickets in three ODIs. I don't know what crataria ICC adopt to nominate the players, they have also change the rules according to the country which involved the past England protested for including there top spinner in the short list and ICC change the decision and include his name in the short list.

fan2011
on September 5, 2012, 10:56 GMT

really everyone who commented??? It says clearyly Swans name was included into the Long list of players which ICC itself prepares and the short of 4 cricketers is taken by the 32 memeber panel? how is it to understand, yea he is an excellent bowler if you ask me yes he should have won it, but tough luck he is not on the short list.
Maybe next year, other please read before you comment.

Jeyan_Sinthu
on September 5, 2012, 10:49 GMT

Undoubtably Ajmal deserves his place in the final List. I don't know why ICC has been taken some notable controversial decisions over the past few years.

on September 5, 2012, 10:49 GMT

Absolute farce. In the eligibility period Ajmal had 120 international wickets @ 23. The next best was Herath with 80 @ 30. He's undoubtedly the #1 bowler in the world today when looking across all formats of the game.

Faridoon
on September 5, 2012, 10:44 GMT

I urge my Pakistani bretheren to remain calm at this juncture. It is clear that the process is flawed, at best. But we shall prevail. You can stop playing cricket in our country, you can jail our players, you can stop giving us awards... BUT WE, THE CRICKETERS OF PAKISTAN SHALL CONTINUE TO PERFORM, IN THE FACE OF ALL ADVERSITY, WE SHALL CONTINUE TO WORK HARD, AND WE SHALL NOT WITHER AND DIE, WE SHALL PREVAIL - PAKISTAN ZINDABAD!!

on September 5, 2012, 10:37 GMT

Now watch as a whole plethora of comments regarding conspiracy and bias and so on come flooding through!! This despite the fact that he was in the long list and that there were at least two Pakistanis on the panel, won't be enough in the eyes of those who love to play the victim card, here the comments come!!

on September 5, 2012, 10:37 GMT

Shocking stance by the ICC..........If such a performance does not merit a place in the award list , I don't know what will?

amumtaz
on September 5, 2012, 10:36 GMT

It is disappointing to say the least. One of the most prolific performer is excluded and ICC continues to promote awards with omitted names. They can change the list for Swann but not for Ajmal. Disappointing.

Saeed.Lodhi
on September 5, 2012, 10:34 GMT

It really is a shame to omit a player like Ajmal against whom majority of the batsmen are uncomfortable.

ICC should accept its mistake !

on September 5, 2012, 10:30 GMT

What a shame. I wonder what sort of stats as an Off Spinner bowler will Jury be accepting,

Sudarshanj
on September 5, 2012, 10:25 GMT

I am an indian but surprised to see icc's decision. But then Ajmal doesn't need icc's certificate to prove that he's the best bowler overall going around today(even better than Steyn). Ask any batter and he'll choose to face Steyn anyday over Ajmal. So award or not it doesn't really matter...

on September 5, 2012, 10:23 GMT

As Mr. Geoff Boycott would have said " ruuubish ".

on September 5, 2012, 10:17 GMT

What a shame!!! This looks so unfair. WOW swann's name was included later when the case was taken up with ICC by ECB. Ajmal is a far better bowler than swann any day. What's the point of awards when one of the most deserving guy is not included even in the final list!? Hope they revise the process of selecting players for these awards.

Abaa
on September 5, 2012, 10:17 GMT

Ernst & Young audits their nomination process? What's the argument here then? His action doesn't deserve an award it it? I'm no fan of his action its a bit dodgy but hey you can't fight facts the guy did apart England left right and centre! He probably deserves a spot at least in the Test player of the year category.

bumsonseats
on September 5, 2012, 10:17 GMT

i cannot understand why his name has been omitted. and other than his action which has been mentioned. if the icc have no problem wth it, his name should have been right up their.

ejsiddiqui
on September 5, 2012, 10:12 GMT

Still no explanation on exclusion.

on September 5, 2012, 10:11 GMT

To not include Ajmal is a disgrace to those awards, how come bowlers are not nominated and we have So many batsmen... IF you do not nominate a bowler who has performed in all three formats, single-handedly beatan world #1 test team, I wonder what those awards are about. Lobbyisme at its best !

No featured comments at the moment.

on September 5, 2012, 10:11 GMT

To not include Ajmal is a disgrace to those awards, how come bowlers are not nominated and we have So many batsmen... IF you do not nominate a bowler who has performed in all three formats, single-handedly beatan world #1 test team, I wonder what those awards are about. Lobbyisme at its best !

ejsiddiqui
on September 5, 2012, 10:12 GMT

Still no explanation on exclusion.

bumsonseats
on September 5, 2012, 10:17 GMT

i cannot understand why his name has been omitted. and other than his action which has been mentioned. if the icc have no problem wth it, his name should have been right up their.

Abaa
on September 5, 2012, 10:17 GMT

Ernst & Young audits their nomination process? What's the argument here then? His action doesn't deserve an award it it? I'm no fan of his action its a bit dodgy but hey you can't fight facts the guy did apart England left right and centre! He probably deserves a spot at least in the Test player of the year category.

on September 5, 2012, 10:17 GMT

What a shame!!! This looks so unfair. WOW swann's name was included later when the case was taken up with ICC by ECB. Ajmal is a far better bowler than swann any day. What's the point of awards when one of the most deserving guy is not included even in the final list!? Hope they revise the process of selecting players for these awards.

on September 5, 2012, 10:23 GMT

As Mr. Geoff Boycott would have said " ruuubish ".

Sudarshanj
on September 5, 2012, 10:25 GMT

I am an indian but surprised to see icc's decision. But then Ajmal doesn't need icc's certificate to prove that he's the best bowler overall going around today(even better than Steyn). Ask any batter and he'll choose to face Steyn anyday over Ajmal. So award or not it doesn't really matter...

on September 5, 2012, 10:30 GMT

What a shame. I wonder what sort of stats as an Off Spinner bowler will Jury be accepting,

Saeed.Lodhi
on September 5, 2012, 10:34 GMT

It really is a shame to omit a player like Ajmal against whom majority of the batsmen are uncomfortable.

ICC should accept its mistake !

amumtaz
on September 5, 2012, 10:36 GMT

It is disappointing to say the least. One of the most prolific performer is excluded and ICC continues to promote awards with omitted names. They can change the list for Swann but not for Ajmal. Disappointing.